Unit 6 St Marks: Discipleship Lesson 1: The Call of the Twelve To describe the call of the first 4 disciples To compare how people experience their calling today To evaluate the demands of discipleship Most people do not just drop their old beliefs, plans, activities, just like that, because they hear about Jesus. However, meeting Jesus personally, for a lot of people like Bishop Montefiore, has had this effect. Meeting Jesus took all their doubts away. They knew they could follow him, and never looked back. So what was it like for the first two disciples that Jesus called? Bishop Hugh Montefiore Hugh was born in 1920 into a famous Jewish family. He was sent to a boarding school in Rugby. When he was 16, in his study, he saw a figure in white coming towards him and saying “Follow Me”. He believed this was Jesus, even though he knew little about Christianity. From that moment on, he became a Christian, and went on to become a priest.

Read about Jesus’ call Mark 1:16-20 (p.118) 1.What offer did Jesus make to the first 2 disciples, Simon and Andrew? What does this mean? 2.How did they respond? 3.How was the call of the next 2 disciples, James and John, similar? 4.What does the fact that two different pairs of men reacted in the same way to Jesus’ call, tell you about Jesus’ call? 5.What does their reaction tell you about the 4 men? **How is this similar to Bishop Montefiore’s call?

A disciple is anyone who follows Jesus, but Jesus wanted 12 closest disciples – people to accompany him everywhere, and share in his mission of preaching and healing. This mission is made clear to them at the Great Commission, when they are given authority to be leaders in preaching the gospel to the world. Then they would be called Apostles. Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. (The Great Commission, Mk 16:14) Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. (The Great Commission, Mk 16:14) “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”. (The Call of the First Disciples, Mk 1:16) 1.What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle? **Why do you think fishermen would be a good choice as disciples? Now they are called to be Jesus’ closest disciples, to learn from him Now they are sent out to preach the gospel to the world. & called Apostles.

“Calling the 12 to him, Jesus sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.” Mk 6:7-13 During his ministry, Jesus sent out his 12 disciples for a “trial run” as Apostles, sent out to preach and heal in his name. Mark 6:7-13 What was surprising about the instructions he gave them? What their task is (3 things) Allowed to take/ go with Not allowed to take How to behave with their host What to do if rejected 1.Copy and fill out the table. 2.Why do you think Jesus restricted them in what they could take? How would that affect their attitude? **Why do you think Jesus sent them on this mission?

Trusting in God When someone feels they are called by God, they do not actually know what it means. It is God’s plan, not theirs. They need faith. – What does God wants me to do? – Will I be OK? – Will I have enough to survive on? This is like the disciples, sent out by Jesus on a mission to towns where they did not know if they would be welcomed. How could you encourage someone like that?